Bessie Minor Swift Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bessie Minor Swift Foundation is a private foundation in Reston, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $83,866 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $5,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$83,866
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $83,002 the year before.
60% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $0 | 0 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $83,002 | 24 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $83,866 | 20 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
Bessie Minor Swift Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Bessie Minor Swift Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 10 | $40,220 |
| Idaho | 6 | $25,859 |
| Nevada | 4 | $17,787 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Classics for Kids Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Education Foundation of Joint School District #2 Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Eagle Public Library | General support | $5,000 |
| Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers | General support | $5,000 |
| Incline Education Fund | General support | $5,000 |
| Julian Union High School | General support | $5,000 |
| Social Good Fund | General support | $5,000 |
| Tahoe Children's Foundation Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Tahoe Institute for Natural Science | General support | $5,000 |
| Women's and Children's Alliance | General support | $5,000 |
| Words Alive | General support | $5,000 |
| Double Peak School | General support | $4,600 |
| North County Education Foundation Inc | General support | $3,620 |
| Meridian Library District Foundation Inc | General support | $3,359 |
| San Elijo Middle School | General support | $3,000 |
| Sierra Nevada Journeys | General support | $2,787 |
| Boise Rescue Mission | General support | $2,500 |
| El Camino Creek PTA | General support | $2,500 |
| San Marcos Unified School District | General support | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Janet Buschert
- Jack Shelton
- Marilyn Shelton
Questions people ask
Does Bessie Minor Swift Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bessie Minor Swift Foundation give?
$83,866 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Bessie Minor Swift Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Janet Buschert (Secretary/Treasurer/Director), Jack Shelton (Vice President/Director) and Marilyn Shelton (President/Director).
What does Bessie Minor Swift Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.